On Monday afternoon, students at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School told school staff that a girl was being sexually assaulted.
Staff members rushed to the scene, stopped the assault and apprehended a 16-year-old male. Sauk Rapids Police Chief Curt Gullickson says the boy was taken to jail and charged with fifth degree assault, second degree criminal sexual conduct, and false imprisonment.
Gullickson says the boy, who is a student at the school, was sent to a juvenile facility at Lino Lakes.
After the incident the girl, who is also a student, was sent home with her parents and offered counseling by the school.
Superintendent Greg Vandal says an internal investigation has begun, and the school will cooperate fully with police.
The school district has sent home a letter to parents about the incident.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report)